April 14th

"Niijima-san, did you want to talk to me?" Makoto looked up from her documents to see Akemi Takahashi closing the office door behind her.

Makoto gestured to the available seat across from her. "Please, take a seat. I won't take up too much of your time." Once Akemi was seated, Makoto broached the topic. "I hope you don't mind me asking, Takahashi-san, but could you explain why you decided to quit volleyball? You were incredibly talented, and there was talk about potentially competing in the Olympics."

Akemi's face turned pale, and fear flashed in her eyes as she tensed up. After shaking her head, she looked puzzled. "Why do you want to know, Niijima-san? That's all in the past, and I'm more focused on keeping up my grades."

"You've always excelled academically, Takahashi-san. That's why the students recommended you for class repetitive," Makoto complimented. "I'm just curious about your relationship with Kamoshida-sensei while you were on the volleyball team. It seemed sudden for you to quit."

"Are you asking because of those rumors that surfaced after I left the team?" Akemi responded. "I've already told you they weren't true. Kamoshida-sensei and I had a professional relationship. I was just a student seeking guidance from a coach. Nothing more."

Makoto maintained eye contact, sensing Akemi wasn't being entirely truthful. "If it was purely professional, can you explain the bruises you had?"

"What do you mean?" Akemi questioned.

"Don't pretend you don't know," Makoto interjected. "I noticed bruises on your body every morning, sometimes even a cast. It's hard to believe they were all from volleyball practice. I'm only asking for cooperation because other students might be at risk."

Akemi shook her head vigorously, tears welling up in her eyes. Makoto couldn't tell if it was anger or fear. "It's just part of being an athlete. You get bruises, and you move on. Kamoshida-sensei didn't do anything wrong," she said defiantly. "Why are you so concerned about Shujin, anyway?"

Akemi's sudden change in demeanor took Makoto aback. "As Student Council President, it's my responsibility –"

"Forgive me for saying this, but it feels like your real duty is to be a puppet for the faculty," Akemi interjected. "You don't genuinely care about the students. Your main goal seems to be impressing the teachers and principal to get a recommendation letter. You took on the role of Student Council President because you knew it would boost your chances of getting into any university you want. But the rest of us have to work for it."

Makoto clenched her skirt but remained composed. "You know that's not true."

"Could've fooled me," Akemi remarked, pushing her chair back and standing. She ignored Makoto's calls as she left the room, slamming the door behind her.

###

The lunchtime bell chimed, marking the end of the class. Akira swiftly packed his bag and went to the courtyard, a familiar hangout spot for him and Ryuji. He accidentally collided with someone navigated the bustling hallway, sending papers and stationeries everywhere.

"Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," Akira apologized

"It's alright. I should've been more careful," replied the person on the floor. Akira quickly gathered scattered items and returned them to the owner, only to realize it was Shiho Suzui whom he had bumped into. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she hastily snatched her belongings from Akira's hand. Just as she was about to leave, Akira stopped her.

"We won't ask you any more questions, Suzui-san. You have my word," he assured her.

Shiho glanced cautiously around the hallway before meeting Akira's gaze with a curious expression. "You're different from what everyone says, Kurusu-san. But I don't pay attention to those rumors anyway. No one knows the real story, so they have no right to judge you. It might sound odd coming from a stranger, but ignore them, alright?"

Akira shrugged, his hands slipping into his pockets. "Thanks for the advice. Surprisingly, I've grown somewhat immune to the rumors since the first day of school. I guess you could say I've developed a thick skin. Not showing emotions lets everyone know their words won't get to me."

Shiho tilted her head slightly. "You remind me of Ann in that regard. We met in kindergarten, the same year her family moved to Tokyo. Students always teased her for her foreign appearance, and the teachers frequently reprimanded her for her platinum blonde hair. But last year, Ann decided she didn't care what others thought."

"You and Takamaki-san must be close," Akira commented

"We are," Shiho confirmed with a smile. "We met in art class. She's incredibly resilient. I wish I could be more like her," she confessed softly.

"But you are strong, Suzui-san," Akira remarked, subtly alluding to Shiho's bruises. "Especially for enduring Kamoshida's abuse. You'd be even stronger if you spoke up and reported him."

Shiho hugged her waist, her gaze falling to the ground. "Unfortunately, I can't do that. Volleyball is my life. Without it, I…" She trailed off, a small smile gracing her lips before she walked away.

Akira found Ryuji purchasing a soda at the vending machine in the courtyard. He looked up at the sound of Akira's footsteps. "There you are. I thought you were gonna ditch me. What took you so long?"

Akira sat down at a nearby table, and his expression turned solemn. "I ran into Suzui-san. Want to hear what she said?"

Ryuji settled across from him, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "She talked about Takamaki-san's strength in ignoring the taunts about her appearance and expressed her desire to be just like her. I suggested she could be even stronger if she stood up against Kamoshida's abuse. But Suzui-san said volleyball is what keeps her going."

Ryuji sighed in frustration, his fist meeting the table with a thud. "This is so damn frustratin'. I've talkin' to every volleyball player and my old teammates, and one's budgin'. Nobody's willin' to come forward and speak out. Have you reached out to Niijima-senpai yet?"

"I didn't see her this morning. If this continues, we might have to consider going to the police," Akira mumbled, the thought unsettling him.

Ryuji snorted. "Like they'd believe us. When I told'em Kamoshida broke my leg, they treated me like a damn liar. Just like Takamaki-san said, they'd probably ask for that bastard's autograph and sweep his crimes under the rug 'cause he's some big shot."

The soft click of footsteps drew their attention to Makoto's arrival. The student council president appeared visibly stressed. "Oh…" Ryuji grinned. "Speak of the devil. We were just talkin' about you. So, did you find out anything about Kamoshida?"

Makoto gestured for Akira to make room as she took a seat. "I spoke to Akemi Takahashi. Sakamoto, you remember her, right?

"Yeah, I do. Takahashi-senpai's got a killer bod," Ryuji remarked dreamily, earning him a glare from Makoto.

"Can we focus on the matter at hand, please?" Makoto redirected. "Anyway, I met with her before school, and it didn't go well. She echoed what the other athletes said: Kamoshida wasn't abusive during practice. But I recall seeing bruises on her."

Akira furrowed his brow, a thought forming in his mind. Something didn't add up. It made sense why the volleyball players would keep silent to secure a recommendation letter, but what about the track team and Akemi? They were no longer under Kamoshida's control, so why the silence? "What if the students are being blackmailed?" he proposed.

"What do you mean?" Ryuji leaned in, intrigued.

"Think about it. What happened after Kamoshida broke your leg and disbanded the track team?"

Ryuji shrugged. "Everyone turned on me, and I became an outcast."

"Sakamoto was the only one who fought back." Makoto's eyes widened as she realized Akira's implication. "And that led him to have a bad reputation around school. No one else wants to suffer the same fate as him, so they stay silent to survive until graduation."

"That's bullshit!" Ryuji exclaimed, drawing disapproving glances from nearby students. "Kamoshida might not control their lives, but he's got them in a chokehold. It's like he's the king of this damn school."

The trio fell silent, pondering their next move until the bell signaled the end of the break. Makoto sighed and rose to her feet, addressing Akira. "Change of scenery today. I have some student council matters, but I still have time for you. So, meet me in the student council room after school."

As she turned to leave, she paused and looked back at Akira. "Kurusu-kun, if you need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask. I want to assist you in any way I can." She departed, leaving Akira and Ryuji to mull over their options as they headed to their respective classrooms.

###

Once school ended, Ann found herself pacing under the alcove, staring at her phone screen. Kamoshida had sent her a series of messages during her last period. At first, he asked if they could have dinner after volleyball practice and then return to his place to have 'fun.' When he realized Ann wouldn't respond, he threatened to remove Shiho from the starter position. Tears welled up in Ann's eyes as she thought about her best friend. Just then, she heard footsteps approaching the alcove. Ann quickly wiped her eyes and turned around to see Shiho.

Ann's mouth opened and closed as she observed Shiho's fatigued appearance. The girl seemed to haven't slept in days and wasn't eating properly. Ann's eyes shifted to the bruises that were slowly healing. When will Kamoshida lay his hands on Shiho again? Ann shook her head, trying to shake off the disturbing thoughts, and greeted her friends with a smile.

"Are you okay, Ann?" Shiho placed her right hand on Ann's shoulder. "It looks like you've been crying. Is everything alright? Do you want to talk?"

Ann shook her head, pointing at her phone with a fake, annoyed expression. "It's nothing, just me PMSing. I received a phone call from my modeling agency about a model not showing up for a shoot and wanting me to replace her at the last minute. Someone has been messing around with the locations lately, so the models aren't showing up," she lied.

"You must like modeling because I couldn't handle the stress."

"Eh." Ann shrugged. "It's a cool side job while my parents are away. Who knows, maybe one day I'll want to pursue a career. Walking the runway at one of my parents' shows would be nice again."

"I'm shocked they didn't let you accompany them. You could have been homeschooled, and when you come back to Tokyo, you can tell me about all the celebrities you've met. I'd brag to everyone about how my best friend met Namoi Campbell."

"And be far away from my best friend? No way!" Ann joked, playfully nudging Shiho's shoulder.

Shiho's phone alarm went off, signaling it was almost time for volleyball practice. Ann's smile faded as Shiho stood up from the bench, noticing the sadness and fear in her friend's eyes. "Shiho…" Ann wanted to ask her about Kamoshida but decided against it. She didn't want to upset her only friend. Ann sighed and said, "When nationals are over, do you want to go on a day trip together? We can skip school and go wherever you like."

Shiho moved closer to Ann and hugged her. "I'd like that. Let's discuss it in more detail after nationals. For now, I have to get to practice. I'll call you once it's over."

"Alright, talk to you later."

After Shiho and Ann said their goodbyes, Shiho headed to the gymnasium, and Ann decided it was time to go home. She spotted Akira and Ryuji conversing before they went their separate ways. They're working hard to get Kamoshida arrested. They have more courage than I do. Maybe I should lend my assistance. It's the only way I can save Shiho.

Ann trailed behind Ryuji, attempting to muster the courage to engage him in conversation. She blended into the bustling crowd as the train pulled into the station, positioning herself close enough to Ryuji. Despite her efforts to approach and tap him on the shoulder, she hesitated at the last moment. I can't do this.

Ann made sure she kept her distance from Ryuji when on the train. She didn't waste a second and rushed off the Shibuya platform once the train stopped. Once outside the Teikyi building, she squatted on the pavement with her head between her legs, feeling like she was about to throw up.

"Ah!" Ann gasped as her phone vibrated in her pocket. With a trembling hand, she took out her phone. Kamoshida's name appeared on the screen, and Ann knew she had no choice but to answer. Tapping the answer button, she raised her phone to her ear and whispered, "H-Hello?"

"I was starting to get worried that you wouldn't answer my calls." Kamoshida's voice sent shivers down Ann's spine. "When practice is over, I want you to come to my place for dinner. I'd love to come home and see you cooking in the kitchen with just an apron. You, bending over at the oven, pussy on display while your juices flow down your smooth legs."

Ann felt her body shaking with fear, and she looked around at the people passing by, oblivious to the young girl being harassed. She blinked away the tears, bit her lip, and took a deep breath before saying, "I'm sorry, but I can't make it today. My modeling agency has booked me for a photoshoot."

"Excuses… Excuses." Kamoshida taunted. "When will you stop making up these lame-ass excuses, Ann? It's funny what idiots will do when you throw your name around. I contacted the agency asking for your schedule. You have nothing coming up until this weekend."

"So, you're stalking me now?!" Ann glanced around her surroundings, feeling eyes watching her. "I told you that I'm uncomfortable with your sick arragement."

Ann flinched at the sound of Kamoshida slamming his fist down onto his desk. "Fine! If you want to play games, then let's play a game. How about I take Suzui off the starter's position? Or better yet, off the team, period. She can kiss her scholarship goodbye. Do you want that?"

"What!?" Ann shouted. "You promised that we would go on a couple of dates. I never agreed to fucking you!"

"I'm the adult, and you're the child, so you better start listening to me and get your ass over to my place. Now!"

The call went dead, signaling that Kamoshida had hung up. Ann dropped to her knees, biting her nails nervously. She didn't care if people stared at her as they passed. They could go to hell for all Ann cared. Tears welled up in her eyes once she realized she had no choice. Either she obeyed Kamoshida's plans, or Shiho would have to leave the team. Ann couldn't do that to her best friend.

"Takamaki?" She lifted her head and jumped to her feet at the sight of Ryuji. The boy looked confused and concerned. "Are you okay?"

Ann took a step back, balled her fist, and looked away. Of everyone in the world, Ryuji is the last person she wants to see her cry. "I have nothing to say to you," Ann mumbled. Once she calmed down, she glanced up at Ryuji and glared. "First, you harassed the volleyball team, including Shiho, and now you're harassing me. When will you get it through your thick skull that no one will help you!" And with that, Ann ran.

"Takamaki – Ann, wait!" Ryuji reached out to grab her, but it was too late. He watched Ann disappear into the Underground Walkway. Ryuji chased after her, pushing past anyone who got in his way. He eventually found Ann leaning against a pillar, breathing heavily. When Ann spotted Ryuji, she almost ran for it until he grabbed her. "Ann, stop runnin' away from me! It's obvious that you're upset." He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Is it somethin' to do with Kamoshida?"

And that's when Ann broke down again. Half of her wanted to tell him everything because she also wanted Kamoshida's reign over Shujin Academy to be over. The other half wanted to tell Ryuji to mind his own business. Be smart, and walk away. That's what every student at school does. Despite his punk clothes and attitude, Ryuji is a good guy. Ann tilted her head upwards, staring at Ryuji's brown eyes. "I can't take it anymore, Ryuji." Her cheeks felt warm from the hot tears running down her face. "I don't know who to talk to for help. He has eyes everywhere."

Ryuji shifted his bag before wrapping an arm around Ann's shoulder. "Hey, you know you can talk to me. Remember like old times?" Ann nodded. Ryuji grabbed Ann's hand and led her out of the station and to Central Street. "C'mon, I know a perfect spot."

###

Akira slid open the student council office door and stepped inside. "Senpai, I'm here." He glanced around the room but didn't spot the president anywhere. However, a rustling sound came from the storage closet. Akira quietly approached and peeked inside, where he saw Makoto standing on a stepping stool, attempting to retrieve a box of documents from the top shelf. "Uh, senpai?"

"Ah!" Makoto shrieked and withdrew her hand, causing the box to tumble to the floor, scattering papers everywhere. She turned her head to see Akira hiding his laughter behind his hand. "Kurusu-kun, you startled me." Makoto checked her watch and found that it was already after school. "Time flies when you're busy." She stepped off the stool, knelt on the floor, and gathered the scattered documents.

Akira dropped his bag onto the floor and went to help Makoto. He looked at her face while she wasn't looking, noticing the black reading glasses. She seems different, yet… cute. "Is there something on my face?" Akira snapped back to reality when he noticed Makoto's red eyes looking at him.

"Uh…" Akira nervously chuckled, running his fingers through his hair before gesturing towards Makoto's glasses. "You're wearing glasses. I never noticed you wearing them before." He smiled. "You look different – in a good way, though."

"Thank you. I didn't realize I was wearing them." Makoto said, taking her glasses off and hanging them on her shirt. "I usually wear them when staring at a computer screen for a while." She picked up the last document and stood up.

Akira followed Makoto to a table in the middle of the room, where they placed the stacked documents. "What were you doing before I came in? Is this the student council stuff you were telling me earlier?"

Makoto shook her head. "Not quite. I was reviewing new organization requests and community service events when I started getting a headache." She gestured to the documents. "To take my mind off things, I went through things to see what should be kept or shredded." She pulled out a chair and sat down. "I find cleaning to be therapeutic when I'm under stress."

"Why are you the only one that does something?" Akira questioned. "Where are the other officers?"

"They're usually around when it's something major. It's the miscellaneous tasks I prefer to handle myself, which I don't mind. It's better to do it now than later," Makoto rambled on. "Besides, they also have lives outside of school, like jobs, hobbies, friends, and even family." She returned to the documents, hoping to distract Akira from the real reason she was alone.

In truth, the rest of the student council members had become wary of Makoto because of her sessions with Akira. They didn't want to step into the room when he was there. And Makoto had overheard her classmates whispering about her and Akira getting close.

"Senpai, do you want me to help you?" Akira asked.

Makoto glanced at Akira across the table, smiling. She wished people could see the real Akira Kurusu instead of the one from the criminal record. Most students under probation would ignore Kamoshida's abuse of the students, but not Akira. He wanted to continue helping others despite what everyone thought of him. "Yes, I'd appreciate that, Kurusu-kun."

"Akira."

"Huh?"

Akira smiled back. "You can call me Akira, you know. No need to be formal."

"Well then, Akira, you can call me Makoto."

###

"When was the last time we sat down and talked?" Ryuji led him and Ann to a quiet diner on Central Street. They found a vacant booth in the corner, away from the crowd. Ann ordered a glass of water, and Ryuji ordered a soda.

"Before the track team disbanded. It was just last year, but it felt like ages ago." Ann mumbled as the waitress brought their drinks. After thanking her, they fell into silence again. Ann took a sip of her water, placed it down, and rubbed her index finger around the rim of the glass. "Have you ever wished you could return to when you were on the track team and prevent Kamoshida from breaking your leg?"

Ryuji leaned back in his seat, rubbing his chin. "Sometimes I do, yet other times I don't. I won't forgive what Kamoshida did to my leg, and I don't regret hittin' him. I might be the first one to stand up to the bastard, showin' him that I'm not weak. Yes, he took away the track team and my reputation, but he didn't remove my dignity." He paused when he noticed Ann grinning. "What?"

"You've changed," Ann said. "People see you as a bad boy, but you're better than that. I see you hanging out with Kurusu, and I can tell you've grown into another person."

Ryuji blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks for the compliments, but we're not here to discuss me." He hesitated, then slowly put his palm over Ann's. "We're here to talk about you, Ann. Look, I'm not tryin' to force you, but I would appreciate it if someone could tell me more about Kamoshida and his abuse."

"You and I both know that the rumors about Kamoshida abusing the volleyball team are true. It's like first year all over again, and we can't do anything about it. We're like pawns to Kamoshida. We have to follow the rules and act like good boys and girls," Ann said. "That was him who I was talking on the phone with earlier."

"What did he want?"

"For me to go to his place so we can have sex, but I don't want to go." Ryuji got up, sat beside Ann, and put an arm around her. "For the past couple of weeks, Kamoshida has been getting aggressive about me sleeping with him. I've tried to come up with excuses, but I'm running out of ideas. And I keep telling myself that this is all for Shiho." She started sobbing, resting her head on Ryuji's shoulder.

"But Kamoshida threatens to take Shiho off the team if I don't go. She loves volleyball more than anything. That dumb sport is her life. Shiho once said to me that she wanted to go pro after college. When news came around that Kamoshida would coach the volleyball team… Shiho was happy! The only man she idolizes will be her coach; instead, he's a monster. I saw a bruise on Shiho's face today, and I immediately knew who it came from."

Ryuji's hands balled into a fist. "Akira told me he talked to Suzui during lunch. Listen, Ann… I know I'm not the best at givin' advice, but if you go to Kamoshida's, what are the odds that he will stick to his words? He's trying to manipulate you just like he did the others. Don't go to Kamoshida. That bastard must learn that not everybody will bow down to him." He handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes.

"I'm scared of what he'll do to Shiho, but you're right," she said. "Me having sex with him wasn't part of the agreement. I'm glad I got this off my chest. Thanks, Ryuji, for listening to me." She finished her drink, and Ryuji moved back to his seat. "I think I'm going to go home. If Kamoshida calls again, I'm going to say flat-out no. If he wants pleasure, then he can use his hands."

Ryuji waved at Ann as she left the diner, then stared at his drink. He slammed his fist onto the table, causing the glass to bounce and tumble to the floor, shattering into pieces. "Dammit," Ryuji grunted.

###

Shiho stood outside the PE Faculty office, quivering in fear. Millions of scenarios raced through her mind as she stared at the door. Not long ago, Mishima approached her after practice, instructing her to go to Kamoshida. He didn't give any details, merely stating that the man wanted to speak with her. Shiho's memories brought her back to practice, where Kamoshida had appeared angrier and had taken it out on the volleyball team. He was far harsher this time than before.

She held out her shaking hand and knocked on the door. In her mind, she wanted to run away and never return to Shujin Academy.

"Come in." Shiho heard Kamoshida's voice.

Shiho gulped down the spit in her mouth and stepped inside. She saw Kamoshida sitting at his desk, engrossed in writing a new strategic plan for the volleyball team. "Mishima said you wanted to see me, sir?"

Kamoshida twirled around in his chair, facing her with a smile. Shiho's body went stiff. She recognized the type of smile, and it was far from friendly. "Suzui, be a good girl, close the door, and lock it. I don't want anyone to interrupt us."

Shiho took in a deep breath and flipped the lock. Not a moment later, she felt Kamoshida's body pinning her to the door, his breath on her neck.